CN100351091C

CN100351091C - Printer and printing method

Info

Publication number: CN100351091C
Application number: CNB2005100569263A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 西谷仁志; 北村元; 川岛英干
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2004-03-23
Filing date: 2005-03-23
Publication date: 2007-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2025-03-23
Also published as: US20050212896A1; EP1580013A2; CN1672943A; JP2005306605A; EP1580013A3; KR20060043828A; US7242417B2; JP4537230B2; EP1580013B1

Abstract

A printer includes a supply member that separates and supplies a recording sheet from a sheet storage means, and a recording-sheet turning member that can turn the recording sheet. A recording sheet supplied from the sheet storage means by the supply member is turned approximately 90 degrees by the recording-sheet turning member, and is then subjected to image formation in an image forming means.

Description

Printer

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of printer, it finishes printing according to image information on the record-paper such as record-paper.

Background technology

Usually, the simplest printer of structure comprises two devices,, holds the paper storage device and the imaging device of record-paper that is.The example of printer configuration is described with reference to Figure 16 to 18.

Figure 16 A, 16B and 16C are respectively perspective view, plane and the side view of printer, wherein, and paper storage device 11 (dashed region is represented thereon the record-paper of maximum possible that can imaging) horizontal positioned, and be connected with imaging device 12 at one end place.Record-paper is along direction paper supply, conveying, imaging and discharge shown in the arrow among Figure 16 C.In this case, the erection space S of printer is big, and height H is low.This printer discloses in the disclosed patent application No.2002-68519 of for example Japanese unexamined.

Figure 17 A, 17B and 17C are respectively perspective view, plane and the side view of printer, wherein, and vertical placement of paper storage device 21 (dashed region is represented thereon the record-paper of maximum possible that can imaging), and be connected with imaging device 22 at one end place.Record-paper is along direction paper supply, conveying, imaging and discharge shown in the arrow among Figure 17 C.In this case, compare with the printer shown in Figure 16 A to 16C, height H is higher, and erection space S is less.This printer discloses in the disclosed patent application No.7-68771 of for example Japanese unexamined.

Figure 18 A, 18B and 18C are respectively perspective view, plane and the side view of printer, wherein, paper storage device 31 (dashed region is represented thereon the record-paper of maximum possible that can imaging) horizontal positioned, and imaging device 32 is disposed thereon.Record-paper is along direction paper supply, conveying, imaging and discharge shown in the arrow among Figure 18 C.In this case, height H is higher to the height of the printer shown in the 16C than Figure 16 A, and erection space S is bigger to the erection space of the printer shown in the 17C than Figure 17 A.But height H and erection space S be balance well.This printer discloses in the disclosed patent application No.5-32349 of for example Japanese unexamined.

First common trait of above-mentioned three kinds of printers is, the record-paper of maximum possible that thereon can imaging transports imaging along its longitudinal direction by imaging device.

The imaging device of existing printer adopts various recording methods, for example, and electric photography, inkjet printing and hot print.No matter the sort of recording method as the side plate of structure, is the throughput direction along record-paper, is arranged on the both sides of transport path in the imaging device.Because the two ends of conveying roller are supported by side plate with the two ends that are used for the key element parts of imaging, therefore, the length of conveying roller and key element parts can reduce by the distance that reduces between the side plate.Obviously, the less length of key element parts has been improved various mechanical properties, for example, and the easness of the positioning accuracy in machining accuracy and time, material cost, processing cost, the assembling process, flexible rigidity and assembling.Be that the distance between the side plate need be longer than the width from the record-paper that passes through therebetween equally apparently.Based on this reason, in most of printers, record-paper is carried along its longitudinal direction, and like this, the short side direction of record-paper is consistent with the width of transport path.In a kind of opposite structure, record-paper is carried along its short side direction, like this, its long side direction is consistent with the width of transport path, this structure is in fact also using, because under the constant situation of the writing speed of per unit length, on whole record-paper, finish the above-mentioned structure of period ratio shorter of printing.Yet, more favourable to improve mechanical property by the length that shortens the key element parts.Therefore, in most actual printers, record-paper is carried along its longitudinal direction, and like this, the width of the transport path in its short side direction and the imaging device is consistent.

Second common trait of above-mentioned three kinds of printers be, the record-paper of the maximum possible that the longer sides size of imaging device can imaging than thereon than the big approximately at least 10mm of minor face size.As mentioned above, as the side plate of structure throughput direction along the transport path of imaging device, be arranged on the both sides of record-paper from the transport path that wherein passes through, distance between the side plate is longer than the width of the record-paper of maximum possible, and side plate supports the two ends and the key element parts that are used for imaging of conveying roller.Outside side plate, those are set are placed on the parts of record-paper in the print procedure, and those are set are placed on this zone, but should be placed on the parts outside this zone as far as possible from the zone wherein passed through according to design.According to design, can not be placed in the print procedure record-paper and for example be from parts wherein by the zone, the mechanical part of the gear of using such as driven roller, and such as the fixed part of bearing.Because these parts must be imported driving force with feeding recordable paper by pair roller, but must not disturb the record-paper that is transferred, therefore, they can not be placed on this zone.Those can be placed on these parts regional but that should be placed on as far as possible outside this zone and for example can be, such as the electric component of motor, panel and control panel.Because these parts comprise the big part such as motor casing and electrolytic capacitor, when these building blocks were placed on this zone, the height of printer increased.Therefore, these building blocks should be placed on outside this zone as far as possible.In addition, because the stability of lead work is subjected to for example to be used for the influence of electrical noise of the holding wire of heating head easily, its job stability will reduce and improve along with conductor length, therefore, usually control panel will be placed on both sides so that reduce the length of lead.As mentioned above, the reasonable size outside the side plate is necessary.The upper limit of the longer sides dimension reference external dimensions of imaging device determines, for example, and as the size of the motor in roller rotational power source, and at least about 10mm of the width of the record-paper of the maximum possible that this longer sides contrast thereon can imaging usually.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a kind of printer that reduces erection space and height that has.

Printer of the present invention comprises the record-paper revolving member, and this record-paper revolving member makes record-paper rotate around the straight line that is parallel to the record-paper normal direction.Separate and the record-paper carried is recorded the paper revolving member and rotates about 90 degree by supply member, in imaging device, accept imaging then.The longitudinal direction of the record-paper in when storage in the paper storage device, the longitudinal direction of the record-paper when accepting imaging in imaging device approximately is an angle of 90 degrees.

In this case, the record-paper of maximum possible that thereon can imaging is to carry along its longitudinal direction in imaging device, and like this, the short side direction of record-paper is consistent with the width of transport path.When this just makes along the normal direction observation of the record-paper in the paper storage device, the projected area minimum of printer.

The erection space of printer of the present invention can be by the determining than one of minor face size and two other size of paper storage device, should be minimum in the longer sides size than minor face size and imaging device of the longer sides size of paper storage device, paper storage device than the minor face size.Compare with existing printer, this has reduced the size of printer significantly, and the erection space of existing printer is not according to as the determining than the minor face size of the paper storage device of minimum dimension, but determine by the longer sides size.

According to the invention provides a kind of imaging device, it comprises: storage device is used to hold record-paper; The paper supply member, it can be operated, and the record-paper of maximum that can imaging is provided from storage device along the paper supply direction that is parallel to the record-paper minor face thereon; Transfer member, it can be operated, and carries the record-paper of the maximum of being supplied with by supply member along the throughput direction that is parallel to the long limit of record-paper; And imaging device, it can be operated, imaging on the record-paper of carrying by transfer member, reversing arrangement, it can be operated, change is by the direction of the record-paper of paper supply member supply, like this, the direction of record-paper minor face becomes and is arranged essentially parallel to the long side direction that is contained in the record-paper in the paper storage device, and wherein, reversing arrangement is carried the record-paper of being supplied with by the paper supply member along first direction, and after changing direction, along the second direction feeding recordable paper opposite with described first direction, after the direction of record-paper was changed by reversing arrangement, imaging device was finished imaging on record-paper.

Further aspect of the present invention and advantage, from following with reference to accompanying drawing to explanation as the embodiment of example, it is very clear to become.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A, 1B and 1C are respectively perspective view, plane and the side view of printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the control block diagram of printer;

Fig. 3 is the operation schematic diagram of printer;

Fig. 4 is the flow chart that shows the operation of printer;

Fig. 5 A, 5B and 5C are the key diagram that shows the paper supply operation of printer;

Fig. 6 A and 6B are the key diagram of printer, and the key diagram of the printer that Fig. 6 C and 6D use for example as a comparison;

Fig. 7 A and 7B are respectively according to the plane of the imaging device of second embodiment of the present invention and profile;

Fig. 8 is the control block diagram of imaging device;

Fig. 9 A and 9B are the key diagram that shows the imaging device operation;

Figure 10 A, 10B, 10C and 10D are the operation block diagram of imaging device;

Figure 11 A and 11B are the key diagram that shows the imaging device operation;

Figure 12 A to 12F is the operation schematic diagram of imaging device;

Figure 13 is the flow chart that shows the imaging device operation;

Figure 14 A to 14F is the operation schematic diagram of imaging device;

Figure 15 A and 15B are the key diagram of the imaging device of third embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 16 A, 16B and 16C are respectively perspective view, plane and the side view of first example of known printer;

Figure 17 A, 17B and 17C are respectively perspective view, plane and the side view of second example of known printer;

Figure 18 A, 18B and 18C are respectively perspective view, plane and the side view of the 3rd example of known printer.

The explanation of embodiment

First embodiment

Figure 1A, 1B and 1C show printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is the control block diagram of printer.Shown in Figure 1A to 1C, the printer of first embodiment comprises record-paper storage device 1 and imaging device 2.Dashed region 1a shows thereon the record-paper of maximum possible that can imaging.Record-paper storage device 1 level is installed, and imaging device 2 is arranged on the record-paper storage device.By this way, the height of printer and erection space obtain balance well, as the 3rd example of the known printer shown in Figure 18 A to 18C.The printer of first embodiment is different from the 3rd example part and is, the longitudinal direction that record-paper storage device 1 is placed to the record-paper that makes maximum possible is parallel to the longitudinal direction of imaging device 2.

Imaging device 2 comprises heating head 2a, air roll 2b and ink band 2c.Imaging device 2 is implemented to print by the such method of hot transfer printing, that is, the printing ink on ink band 2c is transferred on the record-paper by the heat that heating head 2a is produced, and this record-paper is resisted against on the air roll 2b by heating head 2a.

Heating head 2a comprises the heating resistor that several are linearly arranged.Heating resistor is optionally worked producing heat according to image information, thus the printing ink on the transfer ink band 2c.

Pickup roller (paper supply member) 5 is rubbed a record-paper P with the hands from record-paper storage device 1, and two pairs of conveying rollers (transfer member) 6 and 7 feeding recordable paper P,

conveying roller

6 and 7 is along the plane feeding recordable paper P that is parallel to the record-paper that is stored in the record-paper storage device 1.Transport path between pickup roller 5 and conveying roller 6 is a shaped form.

Be provided with two couples of reversing roller 3a and 3b.One of every pair of reversing roller can move by means of reversing roller solenoid 220, and like this, these rollers can be from front side and rear side clamping record-

paper.Reversing roller

3a and 3b are corresponding to paper revolving member of the present invention or reversing arrangement.Fig. 3 is the view that reversing

roller

3a and 3b observe along direction shown in the arrow A among Fig. 1 c.Roller 3a (first reversing roller) and roller 3b (second reversing roller) are driven separately by reversing

motor

218 and 219 respectively, and can rotate in opposite direction.When

roller

3a and 3b rotate along such direction, so that in opposite direction during (direction of arrow A and B among Fig. 3) feeding recordable paper, on record-paper, produce couple, and the axis that winds perpendicular to the plane of record-paper rotates record-paper.In Fig. 3, record-paper rotates along the arrow C direction.

In first embodiment, reversing

roller

3a and 3b constitute the paper revolving member.So far some concrete devices of record-paper have been proposed to be used to rotate.For example to have disclosed record-paper be to be rotated by the center from front side and rear side clamping around it for Japanese unexamined disclosed patent application No.2002-234636, and the contact member that the disclosed patent application No.9-40230 of Japanese unexamined has disclosed by conveying roller and contact history paper has produced couple, advances to prevent record-paper.

Referring to Fig. 2 the control circuit of printer is described in detail.

Control panel 201 has control device, for example: CPU210, its control printer also sends various control instructions; ROM211, its storage control data etc.; And RAM212, it is as the zone that is used for the conversion record data such as storage.

Control panel 201 also comprises: head driver 213 and several motor drives 214 of being used to drive heating head 2a.These motor drives 214 drive following motor respectively: ink band motor 215, and it is used to drive the belt pulley 2d that batches ink band 2c; Paper feeding motor 216, it is used to drive pickup roller 5; Carry motor 217, it is used to drive

conveying roller

6 and 7 and air roll 2b; And reversing

motor

218 and 219, it is used to drive the driven roller of

reversing roller

3a and 3b.

Reversing roller solenoid 220 separates the driven roller of reversing

roller

3a and 3b and driven voller.Conveying roller solenoid 221 separates the driven roller of conveying roller 6 and driven voller.

Interface 230 is to 300 transmission of the main process equipment such as computer or digital camera or accept data.

The operation of printer will be described as follows with reference to flow chart shown in Figure 4 and Fig. 5 A to 5C.In the step S1 of Fig. 4, shown in Fig. 5 A, record-paper P by such as the pickup roller 5 of friction member with separate and transmission member, will separate in its record-paper from overlay paper storage device 1, and be transported to imaging device 2.Record-paper overlays in the paper storage device 1, so that its short side 1c is parallel to throughput direction.The long side 1b of the record-paper that is transmitted by pickup roller 5 still remains parallel to the pivot center of the air roll 2b in the imaging device 2.

In step S2, when record-paper P entered between the reversing roller 3a that is in released state and the 3b, reversing roller solenoid 220 made

reversing roller

3a and 3b clamping record-paper

P.Reversing roller

3a and 3b are driven by reversing

motor

218 and 219, so that its feeding recordable paper P in opposite direction turn 90 degrees thereby record-paper is revolved, shown in Fig. 5 B.Therefore, make the short side 1c of record-paper P be parallel to the pivot center of air roll 2b in the imaging device 2.When record-paper P was rotated, one of two conveying rollers 6 that are in the separation point position were moved it with clamping record-paper P by conveying roller solenoid 221.Then, record-paper P longitudinally carries with imaging, shown in Fig. 5 C.

In step S3 and S4, by control ink band motor 215 and conveying motor 217, the transfer printing start-up portion of ink band 2c and the front end of record-paper P are transported to heating head 2a.The record-paper P that is transported between the conveying roller 6 is clamped together itself and ink band 2c by heating head 2a and air roll 2b.In this state, the printing ink on ink band 2c is transferred to record-paper P by the heat that is produced by heating head 2a by heat and goes up to finish imaging (step S5)

After the printing of finishing a kind of color, heating head 2a separates with air roll 2b, record-paper P carries (step S7) by conveying

roller

6 and 7 edges in the opposite direction with above-mentioned printing side, and turns back to top of form to carry out the printing of second kind of color next time.Simultaneously, second of ink band 2c kind of color transfer position is moved to heating head 2a place.Then, to print the printing that similar mode is finished second kind of color with first kind of color.Repeat these operations to carry out the printing that the third reaches other colors subsequently.When finishing the printing of whole colors (step S6), record-paper P is discharged from (step S8).

In the printer of first embodiment, be stored in the longitudinal direction (long side direction) of the record-paper in the paper storage device 1, be parallel to the longitudinal direction (direction of heating head 2a and air roll 2b) of imaging device 2 in such a way.As in correlation technique, separated record-paper with transmission rotates 90 degree, so that its minor face is parallel to the longitudinal direction of imaging device 2, then, carries with imaging with its long limit along the throughput direction orientation.Determine that therefore, do not turn 90 degrees if record-paper is not revolved, that is, the long limit of record-paper is parallel to the long limit of imaging device 2 because the longer sides size of imaging device 2 is sizes than minor face of reference record paper in a kind of like this state, imaging can not be carried out.Even attempt to carry out imaging on record-paper under a kind of like this state, the longer sides size of imaging device 2 will further increase.

Fig. 6 A and 6B are respectively the plane and the side view of the printer of first embodiment.In Fig. 6 A, A and B represent the longer sides size of paper storage device 1 respectively and than the minor face size, and these sizes are slightly larger than the longer sides size X of record-paper and than minor face size Y, near corresponding to the upstanding wall of adjusting record-paper and the length of framework.The longer sides size C of imaging device 2 greater than record-paper than minor face size Y because as mentioned above,

side plate

4 and 5 and such as the machine components of motor and gear all is arranged on than outside the minor face size Y.In first embodiment, the longer sides size C of imaging device 2 equals the longer sides size A of paper storage device 1.Fig. 6 C and 6D are respectively plane and side view, show in the correlation technique as a comparison shown in Figure 18 A to 18C.

As mentioned above, because there are devices such as framework, the longer sides size A of paper storage device 1 and than minor face size B greater than the longer sides size X of record-paper with than minor face size Y, and because the existence of side plate and machine components, the longer sides size C of imaging device 2 greater than record-paper than minor face size Y.In the correlation technique shown in Fig. 6 C and 6D, the projected area of printer is determined by the product of size A and C rather than minimum dimension B.This is that like this, the minor face that is transported to the record-paper of imaging device is parallel to the long limit of imaging device because the paper storage device extends along the direction identical with throughput direction in the imaging process.

On the contrary, the projected area of the printer of first embodiment shown in Fig. 6 A and 6B determines that by the product of size B and A (perhaps B and C) it comprises minimum dimension B.When the long limit that makes paper storage device 1 is parallel to the long limit of imaging device 2, so that when reducing erection space, carry on the long limit that the paper that is transmitted can be in imaging process be parallel to imaging device with its minor face, because it has been rotated 90 degree.

In addition, record-paper is to rotate around a curved portion.When record-paper is when rotating under a flat state, long limit and minor face place at imaging device 2 then need the larger-size Diagonal Dimension in long limit.On the contrary, when record-paper is when rotating under curve state, then only it requires Diagonal Dimension at Chang Bianchu.Because the record-paper in rotating is outstanding provisionally in both cases, this need be provided with an opening in the machine frame of printer, allow the record-paper angle from wherein stretching out.There is no need to increase the size of printer.

As mentioned above, the printer of first embodiment comprises the paper revolving member, and it can make record-paper rotate around the straight line that is parallel to its normal direction.Record-paper by separation of paper supply member and transmission is rotated about 90 degree by the paper revolving member, accepts imaging then in imaging device.

Therefore, the erection space of printer can be by the determining than one of minor face size and other size of paper storage device, should be minimum in the longer sides size than minor face size and imaging device of the longer sides size of paper storage device, paper storage device than the minor face size.Compare with correlation technique, this has reduced the projected area of printer significantly.

Though be applied to correlation technique shown in Figure 18 A to 18C in the present invention among first embodiment,, also can provide confers similar advantages by applying the present invention to the correlation technique shown in Figure 16 and 17.

Although in first embodiment, imaging device adopts hot transfer printing to print, and no matter adopts what recording method, and advantage of the present invention can be provided.Therefore, the present invention can be widely used in various recording methods, for example electric photography, inkjet printing and hot print.

Although in the first embodiment, record-paper is to rotate 90 degree after separating and transmitting, and the time of rotation can overlap each other with the time of separating and transmitting, that is to say, record-paper can be at it rotates in the separated and transmission.As long as record-paper can be in its imaging process exactly before carrying, be the direction conveying of about an angle of 90 degrees along the direction that is directed with record-paper in the paper storage device, just can provide confers similar advantages.

Second embodiment

Fig. 7 A and 7B are respectively the plane and the profile of the imaging device of second embodiment according to the present invention.Shown in Fig. 7 A and 7B, imaging device comprises paper storage device 101 and imaging device 102.Be stored in one of record-paper in the paper storage device 101, supply with, revolve by the following carrying method that will illustrate again and turn 90 degrees, then, be transported to imaging device 102 imagings (hereinafter, direction E will refer to " paper supply direction ") along the direction shown in the arrow E among Fig. 7 B.Imaging device is characterised in that, shown in Fig. 7 A, and the long side direction L2 quadrature of the long side direction L1 of the record-paper in paper storage device 101 and the record-paper of carrying by imaging device 102.

Transfer member in imaging device will be illustrated as follows.Transfer member comprises: paper feed roller 103, and it is as first conveying device, and contiguous paper storage device 101 is provided with; Paper gripper shoe 104, it is arranged on the side away from record-paper in the paper storage device 101 of paper feed roller 103; A pair of reversing roller 105, it is as second conveying device, and is arranged on along throughput direction on the downstream of paper storage device 101; A pair of conveying roller 106, it is as the 3rd conveying device, and is arranged in the imaging device 102 away from paper storage device 101; And a pair of conveying roller 107, it is arranged on the downstream of imaging device 102.

The first paper transport path 111 is arranged between paper feed roller 103 and the reversing roller 105, and the second paper transport path 112 is arranged to arrive imaging device 102 from reversing roller 105 through conveying roller 106.Imaging device has: opening 113, and it is arranged on the paper supply side of reversing roller 105; And paper outlet 114, it is arranged on the downstream of imaging device 102.

Fig. 8 is the control block diagram of the imaging device of second embodiment.Be similar to those parts in first embodiment, represent, and its explanation is omitted with identical label.Paper supply solenoid 222 makes paper feed roller 3 and paper gripper shoe 4 at least, and one of them moves so that paper feed roller 3 against, perhaps leave record-paper.

Fig. 9 A and 9B show the operation of paper feed roller 103 and paper gripper shoe 104.Paper feed roller 103 is supported rotationally by the paper feeding motor 216 as tumbler.Paper supply solenoid 222 switches in released state and against between the state, and under released state, one of paper feed roller 103 and paper gripper shoe 104 move away the other side at least, shown in Fig. 9 A; Under state, one of paper bowl 103 and paper gripper shoe 104 are moved near the other side, so that paper feed roller 103 is against record-paper, shown in Fig. 9 B.Shown in Fig. 9 B under state, when paper feeding motor 103 by paper feeding motor 216 when direction shown in the arrow is rotated, one of record-paper in paper storage device 101 transmits along the paper supply direction.

Figure 10 A to 10D is the key diagram of reversing roller 105, and this view is to observe along the direction of arrow X among Fig. 7 B.One of reversing roller 105 comprises: driven roller 105a, and it is supported rotationally by the reversing motor M1 as tumbler; And driven voller 105c, itself and driven roller 105a are oppositely arranged; And another reversing roller comprises: driven roller 105b, and it is supported rotationally by the reversing motor M2 as tumbler; And driven voller 105d, itself and driven roller 105b are oppositely arranged.

For each reversing roller 105, reversing roller solenoid 220 as drive unit switches in released state and against between the state, when it was in released state (Figure 10 A), driven

roller

105a or 105b and one of driven

voller

105c or 105d moved away its another at least; And when it is in against state (Figure 10 B), at least one of these rollers move to its another against contacting.Driven

roller

105a and 105b are that coaxial line supports, but are connected with M2 with different reversing motor M1.Driven

roller

105a and 105b can rotate along the equidirectional shown in Figure 10 C, and, also can rotate along the rightabout shown in Figure 10 D.

Therefore, when driven

roller

105a and 105b and driven

voller

105c and 105d are being in when contacting when equidirectional rotates, record-paper will be along the paper supply direction or along carrying in the opposite direction with paper supply side.When driven

roller

105a and 105b rotate in opposite direction, will change the orientation of record-paper.

When driven

roller

105a and 105b and driven

voller

105c and 105d were in against contact condition, the common tangent of clamping place (the arrow F among Fig. 7 B) did not extend along first transport path 111 betwixt, but extends along second transport path 112.

Figure 11 A and 11B show the operation of conveying roller 106.Conveying roller 106 comprises driven roller 106a respect to one another and driven voller 106b.Driven roller 106a can be driven by the conveying motor 217 as tumbler.

By move one of driven roller 106a and driven voller 106b at least by means of conveying roller solenoid 221 as drive unit, it is switched in released state and against between the state, when being in released state (Figure 11 A),

roller

106a and 106b are separated from one another; And when being in against state (Figure 11 B), roller 106a abuts against each other with 106b and contacts.When driven roller 106a rotates along the direction shown in the arrow under state shown in Figure 11 B, record-paper edge and (direction shown in the arrow C) conveying in the opposite direction of paper supply side.

The operation of imaging device will be referring to being described as follows as Figure 12 A to 12F of operation schematic diagram with as Figure 13 of flow chart.

In the step S101 of Figure 13, controller 201 starts paper supply solenoid 222, moves down so that paper is supplied with plate 104, so record-paper will abut against each other with paper feed roller 103 and contact.In step S102, paper feed roller 103 is driven along rotating clockwise, to transmit a minimum record-paper P, shown in Figure 12 A (first operation) by paper feeding motor 216.Do not accept the second minimum record-paper of conveying capacity, avoid being transmitted by separating friction member from paper feed roller 103.

The record-paper P that is transmitted stops to arrive between the reversing roller 105 that is under the released state at its front end after.In this case, when the front end of record-paper enters therebetween, preferably make reversing roller 105 be in released state so that reduce transporting resistance.For example, if reversing roller 105 is in against state, they should rotate to reduce transporting resistance.

In step S103, reversing roller solenoid 220 starts, so record-paper is seized on both sides by the arms between driven

roller

105a and 105b and driven voller 105c and 105d.In step S104, reversing motor M1 and M2 rotate forward, with rotating

drive roller

105a and 105b, thereby carry the record-paper P be transmitted along the paper supply direction.

In this case, paper feed roller 103 and paper gripper shoe 104 can be placed the state arbitrarily that is in.Conveying roller 106 also can be placed the state arbitrarily that is in.When reversing roller 105 rotates in this state, be in minimum record-paper P and be transmitted, and fully extracted out (second operation) from paper storage device 101.Because reversing roller 105 can be provided with like this, promptly, to be positioned in second transport path 112 at the common tangent at the place of seizing on both sides by the arms between driven

roller

105a and 105b and driven voller 105c and the 105d, so record-paper P carries with curve mode between first transport path 111 and reversing roller 105.

After paper storage device 101 and first transport path 111 came out, the operation of extracting record-paper stopped at the tail end of the record-paper P that is transmitted.When the tail end of record-paper P during through first transport path 111, record-paper P is because the elasticity of himself turns back to straightened condition from curve state, and its tail end points to second transport path 112, shown in Figure 12 B.The first half of record-paper is outstanding from equipment through opening 113.

Suffered resistance when being drawn out of in order to reduce record-paper P is recommended paper supply solenoid 222 is placed on closed condition, and like this, paper feed roller 103 and the paper that stacks are not in against state of contact.When paper feed roller 103 and record-paper are in when contacting, reversing roller 105 needs to produce the more powerful carrying capacity of a kind of specific resistances.

Figure 12 C shows a kind of positioning action, and it is as the 3rd operation (step S105) of imaging device.The position of record-paper P can be adjusted by reversing roller motor M1 and M2 are rotated forward or backward, like this, reversing roller 105 is almost seized the central part of record-paper on both sides by the arms along throughput direction, that is to say, equal the tail end of record-paper P and seize distance D 2 between the place on both sides by the arms from the distance D 1 between the seizing on both sides by the arms of 105 of the front end of record-paper P and reversing rollers.In Figure 12 C, reversing motor M1 and M2 backward rotation, with along with paper supply side feeding recordable paper P in the opposite direction, the central part of almost seizing record-paper P until reversing roller 105 along throughput direction on both sides by the arms.

In this case, conveying roller 106 can be separated, so that record-paper P is from freely passing through therebetween, and perhaps can be along rotating with feeding recordable paper P with reversing roller 105 equidirectionals.

When the center of record-paper P along throughput direction when being positioned over reversing roller 105 places that are in as the extraction operation completion status of second operation, positioning action is carried out as yet.When this center was positioned on the downstream of reversing roller 105, record-paper P was along carrying in the opposite direction with paper supply side.On the contrary, when this center was placed on the upstream side, record-paper P carried along the paper supply direction.In order to reduce record-paper P suffered transporting resistance when carrying, conveying roller 106 is separated.If conveying roller 106 is in against contact condition, transporting resistance must reduce, and for example realizes by reversing roller 105 is rotated.In the positioning action process, too little so that can not arrive under the situation of conveying roller 106 at record-paper, conveying roller 106 can be placed and be free position.

In step S105, carry out the operation that changes record-paper P direction, as the 4th operation of imaging device.Figure 12 D has illustrated switch operation.Paper feed roller 103 and paper gripper shoe 104 all are in free position, and reversing roller 105 is in by pressure condition, and conveying roller 106 is in released state.In this state, the driven roller 105a and the 105b of reversing roller 105 by reversing roller motor M1 and M2 rotating drive in opposite direction, and rotate, in opposite direction shown in Figure 10 D.Therefore, the record-paper P that is transmitted rotates about 90 degree in imaging device 102, and is parallel to the throughput direction placement perpendicular to the long limit of the record-paper P of throughput direction.After record-paper P was rotated about 90 degree, switch operation stopped.

When record-paper P arrived conveying roller 105 when being rotated, conveying roller 106 was in released state.If record-paper P is too little so that can not arrive conveying roller 106 time (the size E in Figure 12 D is enough big), conveying roller 106 can be in the contact that abuts against each other.Record-paper P is rotated in the switch operation process, thereby its opening 113 from equipment is partly revealed.

Figure 12 E has illustrated the conveying operations before the imaging, and it is as the 5th operation of imaging device.Paper feed roller 103 and paper gripper shoe 104 are in free position, and one of reversing roller 105 and conveying roller 106 are in by pressure condition at least.In this state, record-paper P is by rotating by reversing roller under the pressure condition 105 and/or conveying roller 106, and is transported to imaging device 102 (step S107).After the front end of record-paper P arrived imaging device 102, conveying operations stopped (step S109).Record-paper can be by the reversing roller 105 or the conveying roller 106 that are in against state, perhaps by above-mentioned both carry.

In the process of the 5th operation, can that is to say that the dual-side of record-paper can be adjusted to and be parallel to throughput direction to record-paper executing location adjustment operation.In this case, shown in Figure 14 E, one of conveying roller 106, driven voller 106b for example, be placed with throughput direction at an angle.When record-paper is carried by conveying roller 106, will advance along with its side that contacts with the formed reference wall 107 of ledge that is provided with in the transport path.Therefore, make its side be parallel to throughput direction.The roller that is tilted placement by this way is commonly referred to as " inclination conveying roller ".

In the process of the 5th operation, when the driven voller 106b of conveying roller 106 was parallel to throughput direction as the inclination conveying roller with the position of adjusting record-paper, reversing roller 105 was separated in step S107, not give inclination conveying roller resistance.

After the 5th operation, in imaging device 102, carry out imaging, shown in Figure 14 F.

At first, the transfer printing original position of ink band 2c and the front end of record-paper P are transported on the heating head 2a (step S109 and S110).The record-paper P that carries between conveying

roller

106 and 107 clips together with ink band 2c by heating head 2a and air roll 2b, and the printing ink on the ink band 2c, by the heat that is produced by heating head 2a, is transferred on the record-paper P (step S111) by heat.

After first kind of color printing finished, record-paper P is released by heating head 2a is separated from air roll 2b, carry (step S113) by conveying

roller

106 and 107 edges in the opposite direction with print procedure side again, be back to top of form then to print second kind of color.Simultaneously, be used for the transfer printing start-up portion of the ink band 2c of second kind of color, be switched to heating head 2a place (step S109).Then, carry out the printing of second kind of color with the mode of operation that is similar to first kind of color printing.Operate and print the third and other follow-up colors by repeating these.

After the printing of whole colors is finished (step S112), record-paper P is discharged from (step S114).

Figure 14 A to Figure 14 F is the plane corresponding to Figure 12 A to 12F, and it shows the direction of record-paper in operation.Referring to Figure 14 A to 14F, to the positioning action before the commutation operation, and at driven

roller

105a and 105b under the situation with the same peripheral velocity reverse rotation, the layout situation of reversing roller is described.This is an example of easy control method that is used for reversing roller 105.In following explanation, the size of record-paper does not also correspond to the size that is projected in the record-paper on the plane, but corresponding to the actual size of record-paper under curve state.

As the above-mentioned explanation with reference to figure 12C, record-paper is located in positioning action, and like this, distance D 1 and D2 are equal to each other.Figure 14 C is the plan view that shows positioning states.When reversing

roller

105a and 105b along with identical peripheral speed backward rotation the time, the point that record-paper rotates about it is the mid point (some P) between reversing roller 105a and the 105b.For in imaging device 102 along the longitudinal direction feeding recordable paper with imaging, the longitudinal centre line of the record-paper after rotating, the centre line L with imaging device 102 is consistent basically for needs.Suppose that reversing

roller

105a and 105b are along with identical peripheral speed backward rotation, and hypothetical record paper rotates around the mid point between roller 105a and the 105b (some P), this need satisfy following two conditions, so that the center of record-paper is consistent with the center line of imaging device 102 basically after rotation.

First condition is that record-paper is placed on such position, that is, make reversing roller almost be in the center of record-paper than the minor face size, that is to say D1=D2.Positioning action is and satisfies this condition and implement.Second condition is that the centre line L of reversing

roller

105a and 105b and imaging device 102 is symmetrical basically, i.e. W1=W2.Therefore, reversing

roller

105a and 105b and imaging device 102 are and satisfy this condition and be provided with.

When reversing

roller

105a and 105b along with identical peripheral speed backward rotation the time, these two conditions are all set up, and for reversing

roller

105a and 105b along with different peripheral speed backward rotation the time, these two conditions are false, this is because in this case, center of rotation not with

roller

105a and 105b between mid point consistent.As long as the record-paper after being rotated can linearly be transported in the imaging device 102, and can suitably locate, then do not need these conditions in imaging process.

In the imaging device of second embodiment, as mentioned above, the record-paper of being supplied with rotates about 90 degree by reversing roller, then, accepts imaging in imaging device.Therefore, the erection space of imaging device can be by the determining than one of minor face size and other two sizes of paper storage device, should be minimum in the longer sides size than minor face size and imaging device of the longer sides size of paper storage device, paper storage device than the minor face size.This has reduced the projected area of imaging device significantly.

Compare with the disclosed correlation technique of 5-21348 with the disclosed patent application No.5-16289 of Japanese unexamined, in the imaging device of second embodiment, record-paper changes its direction in smaller space, do not overlay wherein record-paper and do not contact paper storage device and other.This is because record-paper is just to rotate after extracting out fully from the paper storage device at it.Therefore, the size of equipment reduces, and reliability of operation improves.In addition, in correlation technique,, therefore, the shape of paper storage device can not be made box-like from the paper storage device because direction changed before extracting out fully at record-paper.Therefore, when the paper storage device was arranged to dismountable box-like, record-paper can not stably remain on wherein, and dropped out outside the box when taking out box from equipment easily.This has reduced availability.On the contrary, in second embodiment, the direction of record-paper changes after extracting out from the paper storage device fully at record-paper.Therefore, it is box-like that the paper storage device can be made picture.Even when being removed with the form paper storage device of detachable box, record-paper can stably remain on wherein, and has improved availability.

As mentioned above, the erection space of the imaging device of second embodiment is by the determining than one of minor face size and other two sizes of paper storage device, should be minimum in the longer sides size than minor face size and imaging device of the longer sides size of paper storage device, paper storage device than the minor face size.Therefore, the size of imaging device can be made more much smaller than the size of existing imaging device, and the erection space of existing imaging device is determined according to two sizes, rather than according to determining than the minor face size as the paper storage device of minimum dimension.

When recording method is not confined to second embodiment especially, no matter utilize which kind of recording method, advantage of the present invention can guarantee.Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to various recording methods, and for example electric photography, inkjet printing, hot print and hot transfer printing are printed.

Though in second embodiment,,, shown in Figure 15 A and 15B, when being arranged on the top of paper storage device 101, also can obtain confers similar advantages when paper feed roller 103 when record-paper is when being arranged on the paper storage device and supplying with than the paper feed roller on the downside.

In second embodiment, there is not restriction for the method that is used for record-paper is infeeded the paper storage device.Record-paper can be placed in the paper storage device that is disassembled, and perhaps can put into the paper storage device that is fixed when the lid of paper storage device is opened.In both cases, all can obtain confers similar advantages.Dismounting and the method for opening are not subjected to special restriction.

The method that paper separates is restriction especially not.For example, no matter be to use pawl or utilize to postpone to separate, can obtain confers similar advantages.

In second embodiment, when the paper storage device was arranged on the top of imaging device, the degree no matter this device is provided with and the degree of apparatus orientation can obtain confers similar advantages.

Though the drive part of the second and the 3rd conveying roller and secondary part are defined as shown in the figure, the relation reversing when with drive part and secondary part also can guarantee confers similar advantages.But secondary part is not limited to roller, can cannot not be rotatable fixing rigidity or elastic component, as long as they can provide the enough frictional force that is used to carry to drive part.

Described in embodiments shut-down operation can be determined to trigger by the revolution of roller under open loop control, also can be under closed-loop control, and by the location triggered of sensor detection record paper, the combination of perhaps above-mentioned two kinds of control methods.Although closed-loop control is more accurate than open loop control, and improved the reliability of equipment,, made structure and control be tending towards complicated owing to need device such as sensor.

Although in the above-described embodiment, constitute the paper reversing arrangement by two pair rollers, up to now, the concrete structure of some paper reversing arrangements has been proposed.For example, the disclosed patent application No.2002-234636 of Japanese unexamined has disclosed, record-paper is to rotate when front side and rear side are held at the center of record-paper, and the disclosed patent application No.9-40230 of Japanese unexamined has disclosed, and produces couple by the contact member that contacts with record-paper with conveying roller.

Although the embodiment of reference example has given explanation to the present invention, should be understood that the present invention is not limited to disclosed embodiment.On the contrary, the present invention meaning is included in various modifications in the spirit and scope of claims and the setting that is equal to.The scope of following claim meets maximum explanation, so that comprise all such modification equivalent configurations and functions.

Claims

1. imaging device, it comprises:

Storage device, it holds record-paper;

The paper supply member, it can be operated, and the record-paper of maximum that can imaging is provided from storage device along the paper supply direction that is parallel to the record-paper minor face thereon;

Transfer member, it can be operated, and carries the record-paper of the maximum of being supplied with by supply member along the throughput direction that is parallel to the long limit of record-paper; With

Imaging device, it can be operated, imaging on the record-paper of carrying by transfer member,

Reversing arrangement, it can be operated, and changes the direction of the record-paper of being supplied with by the paper supply member, and like this, the direction of record-paper minor face becomes and is arranged essentially parallel to the long side direction that is contained in the record-paper in the paper storage device,

Wherein, reversing arrangement is carried the record-paper of being supplied with by the paper supply member along first direction, and after changing direction, along the second direction feeding recordable paper opposite with described first direction, after the direction of record-paper was changed by reversing arrangement, imaging device was finished imaging on record-paper.

2. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, is contained in the long limit of the record-paper in the storage device, and the long limit with record-paper in by the imaging device imaging process is about an angle of 90 degrees.

3. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, in by the imaging device imaging process, transfer member comes feeding recordable paper along the direction that is parallel to the plane that is contained in the record-paper in the storage device basically.

4. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, it further comprises:

The curve transport path, by this curve transport path, the record-paper of being supplied with by the paper supply member is directed to imaging device,

Wherein, reversing arrangement rotates the direction that changes record-paper by making record-paper around the axis of the normal direction that is parallel to the curve transport path.

5. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that reversing arrangement comprises:

First conveying roller, it can be operated, and is used for contacting with the first of record-paper, with along the predetermined direction feeding recordable paper; With

Second conveying roller, it can be operated, on the second portion that acts on record-paper, with the edge direction feeding recordable paper different with predetermined direction.

6. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, when record-paper changed direction by reversing arrangement, record-paper partly was exposed to outside the protecting cover of imaging device.

7. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, it further comprises:

The first record-paper transport path, by this path, record-paper is directed into reversing arrangement from the paper supply member; With

The second record-paper transport path, by this path, the record-paper of being carried along second direction by reversing arrangement is directed to imaging device.

8. imaging device as claimed in claim 7, it is characterized in that, record-paper by reversing arrangement is being curved shape when first direction is carried, tail end at record-paper turns back to non-curve state behind the first record-paper transport path, and, be introduced into the second record-paper transport path by carrying along second direction.

9. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, reversing arrangement comprises several rollers, and, roller carries out conveying operations by being rotated along equidirectional, with feeding recordable paper, and carry out rotating operation by adjacent roller is rotated in opposite direction, so that the axis that record-paper winds perpendicular to the record-paper plane rotates.

10. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, reversing arrangement changes the direction of record-paper after the tail end of record-paper is extracted out fully from storage device.

11. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, reversing arrangement comprises two pair rollers, and every pair roller comprises: driven roller, and it is by Motor Drive; And driven voller, itself and driven roller coordination are to seize record-paper on both sides by the arms.

12. imaging device as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, driven roller is by different Motor Drive.

13. imaging device as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, driven roller and driven voller can be moved close and separated from one another towards each other.

14. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, transfer member comprises a pair of conveying roller of seizing record-paper on both sides by the arms, and when reversing arrangement was changing the direction of record-paper, conveying roller separated.

15. imaging device as claimed in claim 1, it further comprises:

Adjust member, it can be operated, with the position of adjustment by the record-paper side of transfer member conveying,

Wherein, transfer member comprises the inclination conveying roller, this inclination conveying roller record-paper is resisted against adjust member in, feeding recordable paper.

16. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the paper supply member can move and be in contact with it by the record-paper in being contained in storage device, and removablely leaves from this record-paper.

17. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that storage device comprises box, this box holds record-paper, and can dismantle from imaging device.

18. imaging device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, imaging device comprises the heating head with heater, and wherein, several heating resistors linearly are provided with.